OREANDA-NEWS. January 21, 2013. Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Joseph Blatter.

The FIFA President is in Russia for the 2013 Commonwealth of Independent States Cup. Joseph Blatter told Vladimir Putin that during these past days he met with representatives of various football teams participating in the Cup, and was in contact with Russian officials involved in preparations for the 2018 World Cup, to be held in Russia.

Vladimir Putin said that the FIFA President’s presence at the tournament involving CIS members and Baltic states gives the championship an even higher standing. 

Mr Putin and Mr Blatter also exchanged views on the current situation surrounding preparations for the forthcoming World Cup in Russia.